Each year, thousands of Canadian students choose the US for their higher education studies. In the 2023-24 academic year, nearly 29,000 Canadians were enrolled at US universities and colleges, including more than 13,000 undergraduate students. If you are a Canadian student planning to study in the US, you will need a student visa USA from Canada.
August 2025 update
The U.S. State Department has introduced new social media guidelines for all incoming students heading to US universities. To learn more, check out our FAQs guide to studying in the US in 2025 or reach out to a Shorelight advisor for personalized guidance. Get in touch >
Read on to learn more about how a Canadian student can apply to study at US universities, the different US student visa for Canadians, the step-by-step process to obtain a student visa, and common questions Canadian students may have about how to study in the USA from Canada.
Types of Student Visas Available for Canadian International Students in 2025
As a Canadian student, you can choose from the same US student visa types as other international students: F-1, J-1, or M-1, depending on your academic goals.
One key advantage for Canadian applicants is that you are not required to schedule a visa interview or visit a US embassy to obtain a visa stamp on your passport (which is referred to as the student visa). Instead of a traditional visa stamp, your student visa status is granted at the US port of entry. When you arrive, a US Customs and Border Protection officer will verify your documents, record your information in the I-94 system, and may place an ink stamp in your passport. This entry process officially gives you student visa status, allowing you to begin your studies in the US.
The following visa types are available for Canadian students:
F-1 Visa - This is the most common student visa among international students applying to study in the US and is for students who want to pursue full-time academic studies at a US educational institution. F-1 students may also qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows students to get hands-on experience related to their field of study.
J-1 Visa - The J-1 student visa is designed for students who want to participate in study- and work-related exchange programs at US colleges or universities. Students looking to apply for the J-1 visa have to apply to an institution or program that is approved by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and your enrollment must be funded by an educational or nonprofit sponsor. Instead of OPT, J-1 students may be eligible for Academic Training (AT) after completing their program.
M-1 Visa - Students who wish to travel to the US to enroll in vocational studies or for non-academic purposes can apply for an M-1 visa. If you are enrolling in vocational studies, the institute must be SEVP-certified and the funding for your expenses can come from friends, family, or yourself. M-1 students can participate in practical training after completing their program, but the rules are different from F-1 students.
Now that you have an idea about the types of visas available to you, let us look at the requirements to study in the USA from Canada.
Visa Requirements for International Students from Canada
As a Canadian student, you do not need a student visa stamp in your passport to enter the United States, although you will need the following documents at the port of entry:
A Canadian passport
The original I-20 (or DS-2019 for J-1 students) certificate
Proof that your SEVIS fee has been paid
Proof of ability to pay school fees and living expenses in the United States
Proof of ties to Canada
At the port of entry, your details will be recorded and your student visa status will be authorized. Once your student visa status has been granted, you must follow the rules and regulations of your educational institution and the US government to maintain your student visa status, which includes:
Pursuing a course of study at a SEVP-accredited institution or participating in a Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs approved program
Meeting the minimum number of hours required by your program per week
Adhering to work restrictions
If you need help understanding the requirements specific to Canadian students studying in the US, reach out to a Shorelight advisor for assistance.
Now that we have reviewed the requirements to study in the USA from Canada, we can take a closer look at the step-by-step process to obtain a student visa status.
Step-by-Step Guide for a Student Visa from Canada to the USA
There are several steps that need to be taken prior to receiving your student visa USA from Canada, which allows you to study in the US.
1. Research and Enroll in a US University
The first step to getting your student visa is to research universities and programs that align with your academic and professional goals. The university you plan to apply to has to be an SEVP-accredited institution, and SEVP institutions can be identified by going through the School Search Map tool on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
Wondering about the best universities in the US for international students? Reach out to a Shorelight advisor >
After you have prepared all the necessary documentation, you can complete your college applications. During the application process, you may be required to submit personal identification documentation and proof of financial capacity.
2. Enroll and Receive Your I-20 Form
Once you have been accepted into the university or college, you will receive a Form I-20 (or DS-2019), or the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status. It proves that a student is enrolled to study in the United States.
3. Pay SEVIS Fees
On receipt of the Form I-20, the institution you applied to will register you into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the system used to monitor F, J, and M non-immigrants during their stay in the US.
You will need to pay a registration fee and will be assigned a SEVIS number. The proof of payment will be required at the port of entry in the US.
4. Receive Your Visa Status on Arrival
Once you have all the required documents, you can travel to the US and present your documents at the port of entry. An officer of the United States Customs and Border Protection System will award you the appropriate visa status.
The officer will also give you information about your I-94 admissions number, which is generated online. This number should be retained, as it is the number used to track your arrival to and departure from the country.
Note: It is important that you do not enter the United States with a visitor’s visa, as this cannot be changed on arrival.
Now that we have looked at the step-by-step guide to obtaining your student visa status in the US, it is time to prepare for the financial side of your study abroad journey. Let us now consider the costs international students can expect when studying in the US.
Costs of Studying Abroad in the US in 2025
Understanding the costs of studying in the US can help you plan ahead with confidence. The primary cost you will need to prepare for is the tuition for the program you enrolled in, and this can vary depending on whether you study at a college or university, school location, and the program type. For example, a medical or engineering degree often costs more than a liberal arts degree due to specialized labs and equipment.
In addition to tuition, you will also need to plan for the cost of living, which includes:
Housing and meals
Transportation
Textbooks and supplies
Personal expenses
Costs can also vary by city — living in a major metro area like Chicago or Washington, DC will likely be more expensive than in a smaller town or rural region. To budget more effectively and explore scholarships or financial aid options that can help you meet your housing and lifestyle needs in the US, consider discussing your requirements with a Shorelight advisor.
While financial planning is an important part of your study abroad journey, it is equally important to prepare for the cultural differences you may experience while living and studying in the US.
What to Expect About Studying in the US if You Are Coming from Canada
If you are aspiring to be a Canadian student attending college or university in the USA, you may find many aspects of campus life and culture familiar. Depending on where you study, you might notice subtle differences in culture, from local slang to regional holidays, social customs, and sports traditions that are especially important in US campus life.
You may also experience some differences in the academic environment, as the US GPA system and letter grades can vary slightly from what you are used to in Canada. Classrooms in the US often emphasize active participation and discussion, and many universities offer flexible course structures with a wider range of electives and general education requirements.
While it is normal to experience some culture shock, remember that you are not alone — your US university’s orientation program, international student office, and Shorelight advisors are all here to support you and help you adjust to life in the US.
Canadian International Student Visas FAQ
Can a Canadian International Student Work in the US?
Yes, Canadian international students can work in the US, but the type of work allowed depends on your visa status.
F-1 Visa: Students can work part-time on campus during the academic year and full time during official school breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed after the first year and must be authorized through programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
M-1 Visa: Students can participate in practical training, but only after completing their program. M-1 students are not permitted to work while studying.
J-1 Visa: Students may be allowed to work on campus, but off-campus work must be approved by your program sponsor. After graduation, you may be eligible for Academic Training (AT) to gain experience in your field.
If you have questions about employment eligibility, your Designated School Official (DSO) or Shorelight advisor can guide you.
How to Check the Status of My Visa Application
As a Canadian student, you do not need to go through the traditional student visa application process or attend a visa interview. Instead, your F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa status is issued at the port of entry when you arrive in the US. Here is how you can keep track of the documents required upon entering the US and your student visa status:
I-20 form: If you would like to clarify any information on your I-20 form, you can contact your Designated School Official (DSO).
SEVIS fee payment: To confirm your SEVIS payment or re-print your payment receipt, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
I-94 record: To view your most recent I-94 record or print your I-94 form visit the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
How to Maintain F-1 Visa Status
Maintaining your F-1 visa status is essential to continue your studies, to remain in the US, and to take part in work opportunities like CPT or OPT. Here are a few key requirements:
Maintain full-time enrollment in each required term of study at your designated learning institution.
Keep your I-20 valid by ensuring it is signed for travel and has not expired.
Get proper work authorization before starting any job.
Notify your Designated School Official (DSO) if you move, change your academic program, transfer schools, or plan to travel outside the US.
Your Shorelight advisor and DSO are always available to support you with visa-related questions and compliance.
Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Guidance!
If you are a Canadian citizen looking for schools in the US to pursue your undergraduate or graduate studies, Shorelight advisors can help. They can assist with identifying the right-fit program and supporting you in obtaining your student visa USA from Canada. Shorelight advisors can also provide you with on-campus services covering academic tutoring, cultural guidance, professional development, and more.
Ready to take the first step toward studying in the US? Speak to a Shorelight advisor today >
